
Discover Events

Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
Park
Categories
Regions
Legacy of Mather Lodge
Wednesday, July 30, 2025
/ 3 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Join a park interpreter for a tour of this architectural park gem. Discover some secrets of the past and gain insight into the undergone changes of one of Arkansas’ most treasured landmarks.
Read more
My Home, Your Home, Our Home
Wednesday, July 30, 2025
/ 4 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
How is the home of a bird different from our own homes? Join a park interpreter to learn about the homes of the different wildlife that can be encountered in the park. This program is great for all…
Heart Healthy
Read more

Meet a Tree
Wednesday, July 30, 2025
/ 5 p.m. - 6 p.m.
What would Petit Jean State Park be like without our trees? Meet a park interpreter for a short walk around the amphitheater to get to know the trees of the park, and how they shape the land around…
Read more
Sunset Kayak Tour
Wednesday, July 30, 2025
/ 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Spend the evening paddling on Beaver Lake while
guided by a park interpreter. We will learn the basics of paddling and enjoy
the sunset on the lake. Meet at the visitor center and then caravan to
the…
Heart Healthy
Read more

Sunset Cruise
Wednesday, July 30, 2025
/ 7:15 p.m. - 8:15 p.m.
Enjoy a relaxing and scenic cruise on DeGray Lake! Discover the history of the lake, wildlife, view rock outcrops, and unique islands. Seating is limited—reservations can be made beginning…
Read more
Spider Sniffing Night Hike
Wednesday, July 30, 2025
/ 9 p.m. - 9:45 p.m.
Bring a flashlight and a friend because we’re going to be sniffing for spiders! Join a park interpreter to unravel the web of lies about these fascinating creatures while searching for them…
Heart Healthy
Read more

Early Bird Hike
Thursday, July 31, 2025
/ 8 a.m. - 9 a.m.
Have you ever heard that the “early bird gets the worm”? It’s true! Spring mornings are full of wonderful bird song and activity that we can all enjoy. Join a park interpreter in this 1-mile…
Heart Healthy
Read more

Birding Hike
Thursday, July 31, 2025
/ 8:30 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Bring your binoculars and rise with the birds for an early birding hike! Join a park interpreter and identify common species of birds at Cossatot River State Park and sharpen your birding skills. All…
Read more
Nature Poetry
Thursday, July 31, 2025
/ 8:30 a.m. - 9:15 a.m.
Ready for a creative journey into nature? Join a park interpreter on a leisurely hike along the Slunger Creek Nature Trail, using your senses to fuel your very own poetry writing! This hike will take…
Heart Healthy
Read more

Yellow Rock Trail Adventure
Thursday, July 31, 2025
/ 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Join a park interpreter for a hike to explore the Yellow Rock area and take in the views from the Yellow Rock Overlook. This is a 2-mile hike.
Heart Healthy
Read more

Snakes of Arkansas
Thursday, July 31, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Join a park interpreter at the nature cabin for a creative introduction to snakes! Learn how to identify the venomous and non-venomous snakes of Arkansas. Participants will have the opportunity to…
Read more
Hands-On History: The Goat Woman
Thursday, July 31, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Who was the Goat Woman? Do you know what a dobro is? Come to the museum and find out the answers to these questions about south Arkansas history. With the help of the museum's curator, explore the…
Read more
Snakeskin Bookmarks
Thursday, July 31, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Have you ever seen a snake’s shed that it left behind? Join a park interpreter in the weigh-in pavilion to discover why snakes shed and what you can tell about a snake from its skin. You will even get…
Read more
Ranger Beads
Thursday, July 31, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Are we there yet? If you were hiking a trail or blazing your own path without the luxury of modern GPS technology, how would you know how far you had traveled or how far you had left to go to reach…
Read more
Discovery Hour at Jacksonport
Thursday, July 31, 2025
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Join the fun every Thursday at Jacksonport State Park! Park interpreters will help you explore and understand the history and nature of Jacksonport State Park through action-packed games, crafts,…
Read more
If Bats Could Speak Tabletop
Thursday, July 31, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
If bats could speak
(or sing the Bad Rap Bat Rap), what would they tell us? A park interpreter will
help “interpret” bats at this tabletop. Find out more about these misunderstood
creatures at Hobbs…
Read more
Wayfinders - Navigating Petit Jean
Thursday, July 31, 2025
/ 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Join a park interpreter at the historic CCC chimney for a 30-minute beginner-friendly program on how to navigate using a compass. Whether you're new to compass skills or just need a quick…
Heart Healthy
Read more

Safety With A Splash
Thursday, July 31, 2025
/ 11:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
"Water" your plans on the river this summer? Join a park interpreter to learn how to keep the fun going by taking some simple steps to avoid common water hazards.
Read more
Burn Smart, Leave No Mark
Thursday, July 31, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.
Campfires can warm the night and cook our meals, but they can also scar the land for years. Join a park interpreter for a guided activity about how to enjoy fire sustainably and responsibly. From…
Read more
Knots and Navigation
Thursday, July 31, 2025
/ 1 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Meet Park Interpreter Carrie to put your knot tying skills to the test. Then join in to find a hidden spot using your navigation abilities. This program lasts about 30 minutes.
Read more